Lucknow Supergiants found themselves in the spotlight for off-field reasons during their IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings At the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, debate erupted over a possible breach of protocol after a brief photo on broadcast.The moment came in the first over of the match, when Josh Inglis hit Aqeel Hussain for a boundary on the fifth ball. During the televised replay, a man was seen using a mobile phone, which viewers claimed was in the LSG dugout area. There was an immediate reaction on social media.The IPL’s Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules clearly prohibit the use of mobile phones and electronic devices in certain zones, including dressing rooms, dugouts, match viewing areas, umpire’s room, match referee’s room, and dining areas. Only official team analysts are allowed to use the equipment in the designated area.As the clip circulated online, questions were raised about whether the rules had been violated. However, the situation did not go any further as it was revealed that the individual seen on camera might not have been part of the LSG dugout. The exact location of the man, however, could not be independently verified by TimesofIndia.com.The IPL PMOA guidelines state: “The use of mobile phones and other electronic communication devices is not permitted in the PMOA.” The rules apply to all key operational zones during a match, including areas connected to players, officials and support staff under the supervision of the BCCI.Earlier in the season, there was a similar incident when Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhandar was spotted using a mobile phone during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati. The matter came under discussion after pictures of Bhandar with Vibhu Suryavanshi surfaced on social media during the game.
